Sunday, March 15, 2009

Our first anniversary

We celebrated our first anniversary last night - we thought that since we got married in Adar, that's when we should celebrate, even though technically a year hasn't quite passed yet. Anyway, we reached this very special mark of our first anniversary, and what a year it was! So much to look back on: getting to know each other, adjusting to life as a couple, moving (twice!), settling in our new home, and of course, pregnancy and the birth of our precious Shira.

Many say that the first year of marriage is the hardest one, and that's one of the reasons why Jewish men are commanded to spend as much time as possible with their new wives during the first year, to talk and get to know each other. I am deeply thankful for meeting and marrying my dear beloved husband, but it doesn't lessen the enormity of the adjustment I had to make in becoming a wife. And may I add, I'm not even anywhere near the end of the road to becoming the wife I believe my husband deserves.

As an anniversary gift, my husband - by my request - fixed up a bathroom cabinet for us. It might sound very un-glamorous, but after a year without a bathroom cabinet, you can imagine how happy I am to finally have one! He repaired and fixed it up all on his own, which makes it extra special. What about my gift? I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but I... cleaned the kitchen. Very thoroughly. It has been ages since I last did this, and it was what my husband wanted. If you have reached the limit of your budget for gift-giving, household projects that have been put off for a very long time can be a welcomed and practical gift.

I thought I would post a few photos of us, our wedding, and our sweet baby girl, but after discussing it with my husband we decided not to. We're currently in the process of re-evaluating where this blog is going, in the sense of publishing family pictures. The blog is more public than I ever imagined it would be when I first started it, two years ago. Every week, I notice an increase in the number of subscribers and visitors. Sweet people, from whom I've never heard before, write to me and tell me they have been following the blog for many months and praying for our family. A few times, the correspondence blossomed into true, precious friendship. It's so wonderful to finally meet in person and chat face-to-face, after months of writing to each other.

Can I find words to express my gratitude for such attention, kindness and generosity? To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what it is that makes this blog so much more popular than I thought it was going to be. I imagined it would be an almost private journal, with perhaps a few friends and relatives following. But as it is, I only know the identity of a minority of my readers. And even though I'm certain that most of my anonymous readers are silent friends who simply don't have the time to comment - just as I read many lovely blogs, and rarely have time to leave a note - recently I have had reason to suspect that some of the unidentified visitors aren't exactly well-wishers, to put it mildly.

At one point, I thought of making the blog private, like my dear friend Jewels had once done. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. Also, my pictures have been around ever since I started the blog, so I thought it would be pretty much pointless to take them off right now. You'll notice, however, that there's not even one picture of my husband. It's so lovely to share one's life through pictures. It feels almost like visiting with one another. But it's also important, so very important, to keep safe.

This explanation isn't precisely in tune with the happy headline of today's post, but I felt I ought to write a few words on the subject, after so many of you requested pictures of us and Shira. I wish everyone the loveliest week, and look forward to catching up with you.

80 comments:

I'm one of the silent readers who's not yet left a comment, but I wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading your blog over the last couple of months. I'm sorry that you have reason to think that some other anonymous readers might not have the best of intentions. :(

I appreciate your gracious manner of writing and your descriptions of life in beautiful Israel, which I would love to visit someday! Reading your posts usually brings a smile to my face. This is a peaceful little corner on the blogosphere. I can't say that about many other blogs, unfortunately.

Happy Anniversary!Although of course it would be lovely to catch a glimpse of your family, I think you are being very wise.I live in Israel and just through several hints you dropped here and there, I am pretty sure I know where you live. I don't want to scare you, since obviously I have no bad intentions (and can tell you exactly where I live if you e-mail me personally). I just want you to be aware that sometimes too much information on your blog is not a good thing. You have to be very careful not only about posting pictures, but about information concerning your settlement and what's going on there.Tammy

Hi! I'm one of those lurkers who has been reading your blog for at least a year now. It has been interesting reading your blog. I totally understand how you feel about keeping safe and not posting pictures, I don't post pictures on my blog of myself, I feel the same way about keeping safe. Many blessings to you as you raise your sweet little girl and provide a safe haven for your family.

Anna,As much as I would love to see pictures of Shira (and as you know, you don't know me, so I'll probably never see her in real life), I commend and encourage your caution. It is a sad fact of life that not everyone out there is a well-wisher. I only had my blog going for a few months before my husband gently requested that I either remove my picture from it or not post something that was near and dear to my heart, because it may offend our Muslim neighbors here in Egypt, where my husband and I (both Americans) are living right now. And this was after I thought I had done a remarkable job of self-censorship!! I welcome all information and pictures that you and your husband are comfortable sharing, but I probably speak for a lot of erstwhile lurkers when I say that we understand the constraints that are required to keep yourself and your family safe.

Anniversary blessings for you and your dear husband, Anna. May God work in and through you for His desired purpose. :o)

I think your gifts to each other are wonderful! Rocky and I tend to give each other very practical gifts for birthday and anniversary. I don't need trinkets, only his love and when he shows it in thoughtful ways, that's a gift!

You're wise to be very careful in what pictures are shown, if any at all.

Hi Anna. I'm another anonymous follower who has never commented except to congratulate you on the birth of your baby. Much as I often disagree with what you say, I do enjoy reading your blog. You seem like a lovely person and you write very beautifully. I can totally understand your caution - in fact, I wish more bloggers would exercise it. I once came across a public family blog that featured pictures of the small children in the bathtub. What in the world their mother was thinking, I have no idea. That people can be so oblivious is frightening.

But on a lighter note - congratulations on your anniversary! God bless you and your family.

Congratulations on your first anniversary, the first year of marriage may be a big adjustment but it is also a very precious time. My first anniversary gift to my husband was a homemade box with a paper heart for each day we had been married and something I love about him written on each heart and dated. He loves it more than anything I could ever buy and every day looks forward to reading a new one.

As for posting photos, I understand your caution - as I suspect the majority of your visitors do and you and your husband must do what you feel is best to stay safe. If we are ever blessed with little ones I am sure it will be an important consideration I would probably go with photos of feet, from behind etc. I know that for family and close friends this is not as much as they may would like - but then there is email or a seperate private (members only) blog for such people.

I figure that blogs such as yours, that have interesting topics, a Godly woman seeking to obey her Lord and husband are blogs that have many observers. When you couple that with personal pictures, the observers increase. I've wanted to post pictures after I got used to having a blog-maybe a year-but my husband would like us to keep our privacy including our names. I honor that and I see the value in it. I don't want to trade that for observers/followers (though having a few more would be nice :))

Anna~Happy Anniversary!! As much as I would love to see photos of your precious family, I understand and think that you are right in not posting them. For as many people that are well wishers there are a few who are not, and the safety of your family is the most important thing. Good luck to you and God bless.

Happy anniversary to you, your husband and little Shira!As for pictures and privacy, in my humble opinion you are totally right to try to protect yours and your family's privacy: Internet is vast and you can never be completely sure who is reading your blog and what are their intentions.This said, I still think impossible to wish you something less than good :)Have a hapy week startElena

Hi Anna - I'm another anon follower who has only commented once or twice. We have very different perspectives on life and I don't comment because I feel like this is your space, not a forum for debating feminism.

However, I enjoy reading about people who have very different lives from mine. It think it's mind-opening and it helps me relate to different people.

And you are an excellent writer! And I think that's why your readership continues to expand. Reading your articles has reaffirmed some of my beliefs and caused me to questions others, which is very healthy for me. This is why I continue to follow your blog.

Anyway, just wanted to explain the motives of this particular anon follower. Have you thought about opening another, private blog; only for family and friends where you can post pictures and personal updates?Best wishes for you and your family. And I hope you decide to continue this blog!!

Hello! I've commented very little from time to time over the past year and a half - mostly I'm a quiet reader. I truely enjoy your lovely words, your strong commitments and intelligent way of discussing these things; especially in a day and age when being a homemaker, mother, and godly woman are not mainstream. I just wanted to chime in on understanding your need to be careful about your privacy, our familiy's safety is paramount and the internet creates connections that were unheard of just 15 years ago. Congratulations on your anniversary, the birth of your little blessing and the connections of friends you have made. I wish you well.

I post comments once in awhile, but I found your blog through another that linked about feminism. I found your writings to be truthful and succinct. I agree with you about keeping family safe. I have to, that's the reason my blog is set to "invited readers only." I'd love to share it much more widely but I also have to keep my family safe.

I will miss your thought provoking posts if you do decide to go private. I have a very small handful of blogs I visit on a daily basis, and yours is one of them.

Dearest Anna,How wonderful for you to have celebrated your first year of marriage.A very full year you have had.May you have a most blessed life with your husband and daughter.

Within my first year of marriage, I moved 4 times as a newly wed, enrolled in a large University,got pregnant and suffered with extreme morning sickness,dropped out of the University,gave birth to first child (this baby would grow to be 6' 7"),nursed for short time,became a full time wife and mother.Learned how to run a household as I went along.

After the first year of marriage I felt like I had grown way up!

My home and family became the ministry that God wanted for me.Great things I have learned.It has been the best ministry I could ever had had.

I am also one of your silent readers and enjoy your little corner of the web very much. I can't even recall how I stumbled upon your blog. I live in the U.S., in Iowa, and I am not married, nor am I Jewish. I think part of the appeal for me is that you have created a very positive and peaceful place here, speaking mostly of the blessings of your life, and keeping things simple and traditional, and that is a very welcome respite from my busy, confusing, and often chaotic life.

Anna, I certainly understand and applaud your caution. When I first started moving about online, I was fourteen and rather stupid, which is why part of the name I use is my real one. I make an effort not to share more than I have already done, though, and I believe when it someday comes to my own children, changes are certainly going to be made. I am not interesting enough in and of myself to generate a large following on my blog, for which I am grateful; still, when my children do come along, I will not be sharing their names in unlocked posts, nor will I be sharing any identifying photos of their faces. I will also be making sure that no relations post their photos on blogs or networking applications like Facebook. After all, parents may choose what limits to set for their own families, and I will respect those, so I certainly hope that when I am a parent, my concerns and wishes regarding my children would be similarly respected!

And, on the happier topic of the day, many warm congratulations from my house to yours, T family! Here's to many more discoveries to make about one another, and many, many lovely years more to come. As others have already said, while I may not agree with every word you write, I always appreciate the gentle, gracious tone of your writing. You make this a very welcoming little corner of the Internet, and I always enjoy my "visits" to you very much :)

Whether you publish photos or not, makes no difference to me. I like reading your posts for the written word. It is best to err on the side of caution anyway. I don't have a blog, but if I did I don't think I'd publish photos of my children either. Whilst the vast majority of readers are probably like me--mothers who strive to honor God by cheerfully tending home and hearth--the few who go looking for a fight or debate spoil the sweetness of it for all. God bless you Mrs T, and keep up the good work. Mrs. Deborah Hutton

There is a photo of you, taken in a mirror, in which you show how big your pregnant belly is. In the reflection of the bedside table, there is a photo of a young man who, one assumes, is your husband. Why the coyness? He hardly stands to be identifiable to anyone who does not live very near to you and thus possibly has a chance to see him regularly. He simply looks like a generic young Orthodox Jewish man.

Anna, I have been reading your blog for several months now, though I rarely leave a comment. Growing to "know" you through your blog, I pray that my daughters will be the kind of wife and mother that you are. I would miss your writings very much if you were to make your blog private, but I can understand why you might need to take that action. Thank you for sharing the lovely anniversary gifts you and your husband gave to each other.

I think it's a wise decision to not post pictures. My blog is private, but even then I don't post pictures of us. Especially not of my daughter. I have on occasion posted a picture, but not anything that anyone could connect with me personally. I have been stalked, so I tend to be overcautious, but even without that experience I don't think I would post much in the way of people pictures. I post pictures of the dogs, flowers we've grown, stuff like that. You are very wise.

Congratulations on your anniversary (even if it is a bit early)! What a precious and blessed first year of marriage you have had!!

I loved your gifts to each other :) My husband and I tend to follow the British traditions for anniversary gifts (the first year is "paper") so we "gave" each other tickets to go see a movie together--something we hadn't done since before we'd gotten engaged! Since I was pregnant with our first child at the time, we knew it would likely be a long time until we saw another one. To be honest, we've only seen two movies in a theatre since that first anniversary...so I guess it was a great gift, after all :) I love creative gifts, and yours sounded personal and wonderful--not to mention DOABLE with a newborn :) :)

I think you are wise to evaluate carefully the amount of your private life you would like to make public on your blog. Though mine is not nearly so popular as yours, I have been having similar thoughts, myself. Fortunately, I have not had the same sort of "unfriendly" followers that you sometimes have, so I haven't had that factor into my decisions yet. As you know, I'm quite public about some information regarding my family...but, I that is a decision that our family was comfortable with and has not been an issue over the year+ that I've been blogging. We may reevaluate sometimes in the future, and I admire that you and Mr. T are putting some genuine thought into this rather than having either a knee-jerk reaction or simply not dealing with it. It shows great maturity and understanding from both of you.

Of course...I always want to see pictures of little Shira...so if you don't post them...could you email me a few? :)

~Bethany

PS I responded to your comment on NFP. I enjoyed your questions and hope my response will help to clarify them.

Congratulations Anna T. on your one-year anniversary. I like reading about life in Israel. It is so pretty there. I don't blame you for wanting some privacy. A lot of people do not think it is a good idea to post pictures of babies and children and they're probably right. My 19-year-old son won't let me use my real name (when you have sons that old, you have to submit to them, too!), but sometimes I end up giving it out anyway, without thinking. And yes, you have to protect your settlement, like another commentor said. Blessings. Also, I can't believe how many people that I don't know who read my post! I am honored and flattered, but it is a funny feeling -- never thought anybody would be interested in what I have to say!

Happy Anniversary:). I understand your husband's concerns, one of the reasons why I don't blog is that my husband isn't comfortable with that much info on the internet about our family. We don't have myspace or facebook for the same reason. It's more important to honour your husband in this way than to worry about what readers might think. I hope you cont your blog as it is the best and one of the first things I read every day:)

Happy anniversary. I am also one of your faithful but silent readers. I have been following your blog for over a year and find myself blessed and educated by your writing. I love hearing about your life as it is such a huge contast to mine. I too am a young wife and mother, however I am a Christian living in England. May you and your husband have many happy years of marriage. Kaje xx

A Happy Anniversary to you & Mr. T. Anna! As you say, so much has transpired in that year.... :o)

It's too bad you feel restrained a bit on this blog...or, more accurately, that you feel the need to be restrained. But you must do as you see fit, concerning what you publish, when, which photos you show (if any at all), because there are always those less than admirable characters out there in the blogosphere!

I always enjoy whatever you choose to write about, Anna. Praying you continue your blog...but I'd understand if you choose not to.

I'm recent to your blog and I love your writing. It's an intelligent, thoughtful "slice of life" - a kind of life nowhere close to my own! I've learned a whole new outlook on like and I am the richer for it.

I think it is always wise to use discretion in all areas of life. Even well meaning family can invade our privacy. My husband and I just recently started posting pictures on Smugg Mug and my aunt stole them and put them on her own site LOL

I love reading about your faith, traditions, your life with your husband and your new role as a mommy to such a precious blessing. These things are near and dear to my heart as well.

Happy Anniversary ( my husband and I just celebrated 17 years) I wish you much happiness.

I am one who rarely comments and does enjoy your blog very much. If you decide to make it private, I understand, though I'm selfish enough to hope that you won't. There is something very sweet and earnest about your writing which I appreciate.

Dear Anna,Happy Anniversary to you and your husband! How wonderful! I think giving each other practical gifts is a lovely idea. My huband and I often do that.

I totally agree about using photos on your blog. I don't use them either, though there are times that I wish I did. My husband prefers that I don't in order to protect our privacy. And that is more important I think.

Good morning Anna. Happy anniversary to you and Mr T. We are approaching our 33rd year yet it seems not so long ago since our first.

On the subject of the popularity of your blog: you write beautifully and that is an enormous drawcard. You write about values and topics which are important to many of us, this is a breath of fresh air in a busy superficial world.

Hi Anna,Happy Anniversary! Wow I cannot believe a year has passed already since I read that you were married. Your blog is the first site I look at each morning. I always find some form or encouragement or something to think about and look forward to reading yoru daily entry!As much as I would love to see photos of Shira I understand completely.Enjoy your day,Miriam

Hi AnnaI have commented rarely. I am impressed by your thoughtful posts. I appreciate your desire to live righteously before God and to honour your husband. Privacy is an issue that requires care. While photos may delight most of us, your writing is why I and many others too, I am sure, visit. Blessings on the heartfelt sharing you have already done and hopefully will be able to continue, without photos if that is best.

I have a friend here in the States whose husband is a public figure. She doesn't use their names and has, instead, given nicknames to all her family. She does post pictures. She does not mention where they live. After some years of this all is well. I hope you are able to be safe and live authentically. Blessings on your family. (and, btw: I say that agreeing with very little that you believe about what it means to be a woman and wife but believing myself that you have a right to those beliefs and free expression of them).

I have followed your blog since before you became "Mrs." I have so enjoyed reading what you have to say because I have common interests with you...modesty, living close to God, purity (in my case before marriage), etc.

While I hate to admit that you are right about the dangers in having a public blog, I must agree with you. And of course you must do all you can for the safety and well-being of your family! (as I know you are) :)

Silent reader here. I don't write in my blog except to post timewasting surveys and to comment on a few of my in-real-life friend's blogs. I'm friendly and sane! Someone up there said it for me: "Much as I often disagree with what you say, I do enjoy reading your blog. You seem like a lovely person and you write very beautifully."

Happy Anniversary! I have enjoyed your blog for a lot of the other reasons posted. While I myself am a Christian, I greatly respect and admire the Jewish faith, and have learned a lot about it from reading your writings. I am also very inspired with the way you live your life. I know that sounds odd, but the story of your courtship, marriage, and now the growth of your family has shown me that yes, it can be done like that, and that people are doing it every day! With that said, although pictures would be nice, they are not necessary for making this blog effective. The safety of your family's privacy is far more important, and you should only share what you feel comfortable with sharing.May the Lord bless you!-Kaitlyn

Anna, Happy Anniversary! My time has gone by so fast. it seems like only yesterday you were sharing wedding and courtship details. I am so encouraged because my wedding was right behind yours by a few months and thi serves as a reminder that my new baby and my anniversary is just a few laps behind! I understand your hesitation on the pics. WhileI am quite the opposite( We love posting fam pics) I can see where this may be an issue that we need to take before God and get more wisdom and guidance on if this is a course we want to perhaps change directions! Thanks for your insight and continue to be the blessed wife and mother God hs blessed you to be. I gotta go my contractions are back. I may email you directly because I read your birthing story and have a question about how you handled a particular situation... God Bless- mrs tformerly singlemomforgod

Happy Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. T! It's been wonderful to follow your lives for the past year, and even longer with you, Anna. May the Lord grant you many more together, and may each be more blessed than the previous!

I just follwed over from Lady Lydias site. And wanted to say hi! Your anniversery sounds really nice. We never make a big hoopla over ours either. I think the picture thing is very smart. I have a picture of my girl on my blog, but I dont use her full name. I won't be posting pictures of myself or husband any time soon either. :p

Dearest Mrs. T and family,First, Happy Anniversary! What glorious changes happened in your first year of marriage.

Second, I too commend your husband's (& your) wise caution on being too public. As much as I would dearly love to see pictures of your 'Little Song', I would MUCH rather you stay safe! Your husband's concerns are the very reason I do not have a blog of my own. IF he does allow me to have one, it would be WITHOUT any personal pictures.

I also wanted to caution you on the seemingly insignificant information you put into your blogs. Anyone who takes the time to read from the beginning to the of all your posts might be able to glean more than you think. Gosh, I don't want to scare you. But then with society today I can only too well imagine the vitriol that has come your way.

A Happy, Happy Anniversary to you and your precious family. May you enjoy many more blessed years of marriage and abundant children!Blessings,~Mrs. R

I'm one of those anonymous readers. I've been following for a long time; in fact I remember the first post I read being the one where you 'came out' as Jewish.

I'm femininst, atheist, and genderqueer. We probably disagree on every political issue there is. But I keep reading because you've shown yourself to be thoughful, intellegent, and have good reasons for the conclusions you've come to, even if they're radically different from my own.

We could probably never be friends, but I have great respect for you, and wish you and your daughter all the best. I'm sorry to hear that you've had reason to suspect some readers don't.

I'm another one who loves to read you blog but has only been posting rarely, mainly because so many other Ladys had already said everything I wanted to say, too. While I would have loved to see pictures of your family I totally support your decision not to post them. It seems incredible that there are people who might want to harm you or express anything but joy over such an inspiring and lovely blog as yours. But I'm sure all your well-meaning readers will agree with me when I say that we'd rather see you "go private" than put yourself and your precious little family in any kind of risk. Like Tammy, I had also wondered if it was wise to give so many hints as to where you live. Of course I don't know what kind of unfriendly watchers of your blog you are referring to, but you might want to consider editing those posts a little that hint too clearly at where you live. My congratulations to your first anniversary, and have a lovely day!

happy anniversary to you! i was going to sing you a song, but i can't seem to type on tune;)

you are wise indeed to be cautious, i recently took myself off line for almost half a year out of concern regarding a specific individual. the internet can be such a wonderful place of camaraderie, but spending time here has also made me a bit more aware of the evil that is in this world.. sad.

I am another 'lurker'.I read your blog regularly and enjoy it. I just don't comment, because I either agree and don't bother commenting just that or I don't agree and see no reason to start a discussion. I just enjoy reading about various peoples life views and use that to rethink my own reasoning and be challenge in the choices I make.

I think you share plenty, if not much about your private life, much more than I would ever feel comfortable about. I, again, enjoy reading it, but would totally understand if you would share less or would stop blogging totally.

I understand you decision to use caution and protect your family's privacy. As my blog has generated more traffic, I have posted pictures much more sparingly and have removed my picture from my blog altogether. Every time I post a pic, I wonder if it's a good idea and I'm pretty careful about which pics I post.

I think your decision is extremely wise. When I started my own blog, I used a nickname, I had nicknames for all my children, and I did not post identifiable photographs.

After a while, I started posting "real" pictures, and I have continued to do so. Last year, my blog briefly became public property when it was highlighted in a national newspaper, and as a result of that, readership amongst people who know me outside of cyberspace has exploded.

Although I don't have 1/10th of your readership, the experience was unnerving, and did cause problems with the girls' school for a while (I had posted a flippant comment which they found extremely hurtful - the comment has now been deleted).

At that point I had to make a decision - should I stop the blog altogether? Take it private? Or continue but with added consideration for my readers? I have now taken the third step; I don't post everything that is on my mind, and I post absolutely nothing that I would be unhappy with people knowing about me. I also live in hope that one day some of my children may be able to read this, and so whilst I post a few embarrassing photos and stories about them, I try to post nothing that might cause them problems should it be read by their peers.

I'm sorry that people feel the need to challenge you and be unpleasant towards you - I don't understand why people who can't accept what you have to say don't just simply close the window and move on elsewhere. I hope they don't cause you lasting pain.

I don't agree with everything you post - but then I wouldn't; we are different people living different lives! But the differences as well as the similarities make up the richness of life. And I love to read your thoughts, love to hear your perspective on life - it makes me question my own and that's never a bad thing.Tia

Thank you, dear friends, for understanding. I just wanted to clarify I didn't mean simply people who are rude or unpleasant, I don't mind that. I talk of anonymous wishes of death directed at me, my husband, and our baby.

Happy anniversary! I can see why you would be hesitant to post pictures of your family. You have such a strong message to tell, and some people will not like what you have to say. I really do believe it was God's will that I came across your website. I have been so moved by your example and your thoughtful discussions. It came at a time in my life when I needed that encouragement and that reflection.

Dear Anna,Congratulations on your anniversary! I remember how exciting that celebration was for me and my husband 18+ years ago! I loved the gift idea of household projects. Those truly are a gift of the heart.

I don't comment often, although I have been reading your blog for some time. I enjoy it very much. I enjoy getting a glimpse into a lifestyle that is, in many ways very different from my own as an American Christian. Yet, we do have much in common as conservatives and SAHM's. I enjoy reading as you share about your growing as a wife and mother and encouraging other young women who are making critical decisions that will effect the rest of their lives! I wish I had put that much thought into the direction of my life when I was at the stage you are now.

I am sorry that you have had such a frightening and unnerving experience as someone threatening you and your family. I am very grieved that this is the state of our world. I cannot imagine that anyone would go to such lengths, but I don't doubt that you are telling the truth.

If I had a blog, I would take extra measures to keep my exact location private and I wouldn't share any identifiable family pictures, either. I would miss "visiting" with you very much if you decided to make the blog private, but who could blame you?

I will continue to pray for you and your family. I will especially pray that God will protect you and will guide you and Mr. T as you make decisions.

Happy anniversary to you and your husband. I wish you many, many more.

I mostly lurk, occasionally comment and don't always agree with what you say, but yours is one of my favourite blogs. You make me think and question myself. I've told others about you and they say that I must be mad. Why read something that is based on a life with which I have so little in common? I tell them that it is so valuable being able to read a considered, thoughtful, courteous point of view that isn't concerned with points-scoring but which is different from my own. Irrespective of whether I always agree with you, I do see that the differences between us are not as significant as the many points on which we might agree.

If you do decide in the best interests of your family to disappear from the blogosphere, then my best wishes for you and your family go with you. Even if there were no threats, I can see why your husband might be concerned to maintain your privacy which, once surrendered, can not be regained. But I just wanted to say that I am grateful for having had the opportunity to read your posts. It is a great privilege to be given insight into and some understanding of another life. Thank you for sharing this with us.

My daughter, who is 12, and I have been following your blog for awhile now. Your beautiful writing is captivating, to say the least. Your blog has been a treasure to our family. You so thoughtfully explain very difficult positions (in this day and age) so that even a young girl may understand them.I find myself refreshed and renewed in my vocation of wife and mother (for 13 years!) after reading about your precious family.I fear that as you become more well known, the detractors will come. Please don't be discouraged! Your family is definitely your priority and deserves protection. If you must go private, we will be sad to 'lose' you but, you must think of your dear ones first.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! We are so blessed by your words.

Hi Anna,Happy Anniversary!I also don't usually comment much, I usually just lurk:) Being an atheist/feminist (and other things:) I don't agree with everything you say, but I relate to the wonderful relationship you have with your husband, enjoyment of domestic life and such. You write very beautifully, and I like getting a perspective that is different from mine from an intelligent person. I am appalled that somebody would send you anonymous threats, that's just horrible. I think you are right about not posting private pictures on a public blog. I wish you and your family all the best. Your gifts to each other were awesome:)

Mrs. T,I've been reading your blog for a very long time now, well over a year but I rarely comment. I just wanted to say hello and that I am one of your "silent friends" and I most assuredly wish you and your family only the very best!

I hope you have reported those threats to the authorities. It's just terrible that someone would do that when you are just trying to lead your life in peace. As someone who works with people in the dark areas of their lives I wonder if these are the types who would threaten just about anyone (i.e. not mentally well). I pray for your safety and that of your family. All will be well.

Hi AnnaI'm another one of those long term lurkers. Although we live on completely different sides of the world and have very different opinions on most things- i find your writings to be quite challenging and refreshing. The simplicity of your love, life and relationships keeps me coming back for more so I would be disappointed if you needed to go private but would understand completely. You're safety and the safety of your loved ones is paramount. I wonder whether these threats are reportable? There's not much anonymity of the net these days, everything is easily traceable. Just a thought, Rebecca

Hi Anna,I am a long time lurker as well. Your writing is an inspiration to me and many times food for thought. While I do work part time right now I am working toward my goal of becoming solely a homemaker and mother. I wish you and your family all the best.

Anna, I relate to your concerns about putting photos on the blog. I have none of my family on mine. It will be tempting to put up a picture of the baby when he arrives, as many have been praying for us, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I worked as a public librarian for years and I think that made me more aware of how many truly strange people there are out there, and that many of them use the internet. I hope I help a few people along the way, but I must do it privately.

Thank you so much for your encouragment on this blog. God has allowed me to be a daughter-at-home through some unusual circumstances. I don't know how long I will be here, but I treasure every day! You have been such a blessing to me in a world where God's ways are often scorned. I thank the Lord for you!

I've never commented before, but I just wanted to let you know that I do enjoy reading your blog. You do write so well and you are so articulate. I hope you continue writing, even if not for a public blog, maybe articles for a magazine? I think you could write some very good opinion pieces that many people would enjoy reading.

I'm a young married woman, and my husband and I are seriously considering converting to Judaism. What you say in your blog often challenges me, but I appreciate the glimpse you give me into observant Jewish family life.

I too love reading your blog so much every day. A previous commenter said of your blog that it was a peaceful spot in the bloggesphere, which it truly is. While I love the pictures that you have shared, I would rather no pictures than to loose your beautiful insights on life as a wife and mother. I live in the States where our lives seem so much more complicated than yours and I appreciate reading of your hopes and dreams for dear Shira. Thank you so much for what you bring to my life through your posts.

I just started (silently) following your blog...and I just want to say that I enjoy it very much. I too am a librarian and understand some of the pitfalls of the Web very well. As much as I and others very much want to see pictures of your wedding (the lace on your dress is exquisite!) and of your dear baby, your privacy and safety is more important.

Thank you for visiting

Domestic Felicity is a journey of one woman who loves her family and home and seeks to live a simple, peaceful, and purposeful life. It is also a record of my daily joys and challenges and everything I'm learning as I walk along this path

If you wish to ask or comment about something but want to do it in private, you are welcome to email me.

A little bit about me

I'm a Jewish woman, a wife, a mother, a homemaker. A thinker, a dreamer, a learner. An avid cook and baker and a yarn addict. I love everything that has to do with home and family, and enjoy the solitude of my quiet corner, which is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Israel.